Vasectomy Has A Bad Rap

GOOD HEALTH

Dear Dr. Donohue: Is there any connection between a prostate problem and the fact that a man has had a vasectomy? - R.N.M.

Dear R.N.M.: In the not so distant past, some people did suggest a link between vasectomy - the male sterility procedure - and prostate cancer. Further investigation proved the idea baseless.

Some also suggested that epididymitis, an infection of the long coil of sperm ducts, was a side effect of the tube-severing procedure. That also was disproved in later studies.

Other illnesses of the prostate and non-prostate involvement have been suggested and studied with like results. At one time, vasectomy was cited as posing a risk of heart disease, an idea found to have little validity.

Most authorities today see vasectomy by and large as a safe, effective, relatively inexpensive means of birth control. Surgeons can reverse a vasectomy, but with far from 100 percent assurance of future fertility. The last word on the subject is to consider vasectomy permanent.

Dear Dr. Donohue: I've seen the word "rosacea" in your column lots of times, and frankly just skipped to the next item. Can you explain it again for me? - Mrs. I.S.

Dear Mrs. I.S.: Rosacea is a redness much like that of a blush, often across the nose or on cheeks and chin. Pimples and a web of tiny blood vessels might ensue. Fair-skinned women often are targets, and they find they need to pay special attention to protection from the sun.

Heat from hot drinks can trigger rosacea. So can spicy foods. Oral antibiotics are among the medicines available. There's also a metromidazole gel that you apply to the affected skin. The spiderlike vessels can be eliminated with electric needles or laser treatment.

Dear H.H.: Myelodysplastic (MY-el-oh-dis-PLAS-tik) syndrome consists of a group of disorders. Yes, a myelodysplastic illness can develop into leukemia, which is cancer of the white cells.

The problem usually strikes after age 50. The person's bone marrow malfunctions. We're still unsure why it happens.

I know you probably have been informed of the various possible treatments. I hesitate to comment on any one. I can tell you that a marrow transplant sometimes is an attractive option. It is not suitable for every case, though.